Test. Don't comment if it doesn't work as I'm not expecting it to.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7yYSM4A8zjTRmRxVjBWVktseFE/view?usp=docslist_api

Petcast name has been decided

Our new podcast / petcast nearly took the boring Uncle Eric's Petcast route, but I fancied something different.

Quick social media cry for help and Petology was suggested. The twitter version of that name had already gone.

But I liked the name, quick tinker, twitter check and I finalised with

The Petologist

If anyone wishes to suggest a future topic or has an idea, I can be contacted via ThePetologist@gmail.com  and on twitter @ThePetologist

That was the easy bit done. Now for some content.

Announcement. New addition to the Uncle Eric Pet Care brand.

Some people might already know this, or some may have guessed with my out of the blue questions to them.

But our new addition to the Uncle Eric Pet Care brand will be... , drumroll please.

Howay, can't hear you. Louder. LOUDER.

.... a podcast..

A what? I hear you cry with laughter.

Yes. A pet based podcast.. It won't be weekly, at the very best fortnightly. I won't rush it. Each episode will come out when ready.

It will be a mixture of dedicated episodes for specific pets, or a specific episode to a pet based business / career. The latter including interviews with local businesses.

Research is underway for episode 1 and 2. Just need to buy a decent  microphone and headphones , learn about some useful software for editing each recording and then find cheap (preferably free) hosting for the podcasts.

Sounds easy, doesn't it? NOT..

Nothing like a new project to keep the mind ticking away. Or blow the mind to smithereens.

See you on the other side..

I've not even thought a name yet.. GULP.

#Consett #petcare tails

Chicken crowing.

Well. Must be around 3 months since we got our chickens and Ive loved 95% of the time we have shared.

That was until 1 of our hens started crowing. At 1st after research, I claimed to the family that its common(ish) for a flock without a cockerel (don't like using rooster, too USAy), for a hen to take on a male role. That includes crowing. I was kidding myself rather than the family.

I was repeatedly told we had to get rid of him. But Nugget was the smallest one we have. Black Bantam Frizzle Cochin, and the one with most comedy character and I was determined to try everything to keep him.
Since we live in a terrace of bungalows and the coop is in the garden, I knew there was only so long his noise would be put up with.
More research and I came across a chicken website, with a public forum for questions and answers. Look kids, something that existed before Facebook.

By chance I read up on no crow collars. What on earth are these you ask.

http://nocrowroostercollars.com/pages/faqs

Designed to reduce, not eliminate the volume of a crow, by affecting the cockerels ability to fully inflate his air sack.

Well. Being cheapskates we found instructions on how to make our own DIY style.

At 1st, I thought it worked, I could genuinely not hear it as loud. But it didn't last.

Last week I had to rehome him. It tore a huge chunk out of me. In fact messed my sleep up for a full week before he left. You often think no one could look after a pet better than you can.
I must have endured a few panic attacks.

Weird. To some it was just a chicken. To me, I had to give away a pet. Something that I detest others doing. When I get pets they should be with me until they pass away.

I will never make this mistake twice.

What am I like?

(wrote this weeks ago, didn't click post oooooops)

Can't believe it.

Ive had chickens for a good few weeks but forgot to put it in my blog. Plenty Facebook and Twitter post though. Probably far too many for some.

Started with 4,  but following weekend crept up to 6. All different breeds.

So. From really poor memory, we have 1 of each of the following.
Rhode Island Red
Barnevlder
Blue Haze
Speckledy
Frizzle type (oh bugger, always forget this one)
And and AND.. HMM. I'll get back to you.

I didn't expect it to be such fun/relaxing/confusing/terrifying all rolled into one parcel.

We don't know exactly the ages, but all pre egg laying when bought . There are 3 age groups of feed, handy when you don't know an age. One of them for egg layers, which 2 have recently started.

My coop which is sturdy has an arse for a roof. I built into the frame a gentle slope for rain to run off. Alas plastic panels just gathered water and leaked. I replaced that with blue tarpaulin. Again water gathered in certain areas and dripped through. Also the tarp colour prevented alot of natural sunlight getting in.

Next, clear transparent thick tarpaulin with wooden beams under neath. While the leaking stopped. Flipping roof doesn't drain effectively  so holds onto alot of water and therefore weight. This needs fixed prior to winter and the snow it will bring.

Health wise. 1st four either came with or developed a respiratory problem early on. Our local vet which specialises in farm animals, give us plenty of antibiotics for less than a tenner. Couldn't believe how cheap it was.

I managed to fix roof (I think) by inserted wood under the tarpaulin, forcing an apex shape.

RSI in my legs.

Blooming legs have taken a right battering this week. The chaos is set to continue next week as I'm doing holiday walks, where dogs are staying at their grannies. 2 houses, twice a day before and after normal full day.
Plus, I'm covering 1 walk for an other dog walker who is off on her holidays.

I must remember to look at my diary management skills since they are lacking in the ability to allow me to day no.

Poo bags

They don't make them like they used to. Horrible mental feeling knowing your finger has gone through the bag while scooping up some poo. If I don't look at it hasn't happened right? RIGHT??
Well I did look. So it happened.
Get back to my car, and someone moved my antibacterial handgel. FanFLIPPINGtastic.

Vet Rant

Fecking vet.

Im not going to name it as its unfair too. As I suppose one bad experience with one vet within a practice shouldn't tar them all. Especially as I rank one of the other vets outstanding.

My 15 year old cat. Never been vaccinated in his life, went because he had a rash. Vet 1, gave him antibiotics to clear up after effects of a bout of fleas. Our house has only ever had 2 flea attacks in all that time. Latest few weeks back, house all clear.

Today, for the follow up consultation. Vet 1 wasn't there so my wife saw Vet 2. This vet was pushy. All he was interested in was selling a monthly package which highlighted a monthly antiflea treatment. MONTHLY?? Also my 15 year old has bad teeth. Vet 1 wouldn't stress my cat out or run the risk of anesthetic due to his age. Vet 2 however was all for giving quotes for the non essential treatment.

Really angry doesn't cover it. I hate pushy people, especially ones who push for very expensive, non essential treatments

Ooooo

Just looked through older blog postings and I forgot we had a lovely one about feeding her cats.
Totally brain freeze moment.

Kind Testimonial

Some days you get right cheesed off with things. Its little things like this which make it all worth while   "Having just seen 2 vans full of dogs on a hot summers days I am once again thankful that I chose to use Uncle Eric's Pet Care Services. My dog is given the 1-2-1 tailored care and attention that she deserves. From the moment of stepping outside of her home, her walk commences, there is no fear of her being driven around the County in a van full of strange dogs or having to share her walk with several other dogs which may intimidate her or worse. Her walk is tailored to her needs and I know she is in very good hands. She is safe and secure as she is always kept on a lead which is an extended lead to allow her some freedom whilst still remaining secure. She has Eric's undivided attention, and if there are any problems or concerns with her health and well being, I know I will receive a call or text swiftly from Eric to keep me informed. On returning home her paws are cleaned if needs be, water is checked and she is left with a treat. I really value Eric's dog walking service and cannot recommend him enough. I allow very few people to walk my dog and I have full faith in Eric's sensible and sensitive approach. Claire B"

Final one.

Youngest child is 16 today. She is more interested in her badge than her money.

What a topsy-turvy day its been.

Days can change quickly.

I was happy as the preverbal Larry towards end of my last walk, then I saw something, and I knew it wasn't good. Man walking his jack russel off lead. Yes, it ran across the green towards me barking and yapping, and went straight for one of the dogs on lead. (Notice, his dog offlead, walked dogs were on lead) 

After THREE failed attempts of me to use my right foot and saying clear off. It just kept attacking. Owner was useless, he didn't even try to recall his dog (really hope he reads this, as I'm on the hunt for him.) As a last resort I had to kick the attacking dog off. I had to yell at the clown to get his sodding dog on his lead. His only concern was because I had to kick his dog off. Not the fact his dog was attacking another.

His description. Male. Less than 6ft tall. Glasses. Black bomber type jacket. Black beany type hat with Sunderland FC logo on it. Guessing 40-50ish.
Dog description. Jack Russell. Nasty barking variety. Wearing a red neckerchief.
Location. On the green behind Fellside, Delves Lane.

If anyone knows this person, please tell me, as he has a date with a nice Policeman soon.

Luckily, the attacked dogs owner checked over her dog thoroughly and there is no injury. But this could have been very very worse. What if a young child had been in charge of their pet? I at least have big feet with 16 stone weight behind me. The child could have been badly bitten.

Regardless of what injuries occurred to either dog , the off lead walker is purely financial responsible. Law is clear. Dogs MUST be under control at all times. I tried to explain this (ok badly amongst my swear words) to this idiot. He didn't take any responsibility, his only other comment to me was to call me childish.

Ok. Dummy spat across the field. My toys have been chucked out of my pram.

However. My day changed mood again. Half hour after I got home, I got a phone call. While I can't say what the conversation is about, its very possible I could become part of a new business venture. I foresee a few meetings and brainstorming sessions ahead for me.

Planning to Plan plans for this year.

I've plans galore for 2015.

Allotment needs dug over and planted.
Garden Shed needs built
Chicken coop needs built
Deciding on which chickens to buy
Beekeeping course
New business development and its marketing
New courses upon courses to stimulate the brain

And that is all so far.

But first, another hr in bed. Zzzzzzzzzzzz